Thoughtful and poignant

This could so easily have descended into cheap laughs about old people but Ben Aitken is too good for that. This account of his travels treats his fellow holidaymakers with respect and dignity and gives us insight into the well of wisdom and experience older people have to offer. As someone who is rapidly moving towards becoming an elder myself, it is refreshing to see these members of society taken seriously. Only 4 stars for performance because as gentle as Ben’s narration was he’s not so good on accents especially Geordie (I’m a Newcastle lass).

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Inspiring me to travel

Brilliant. Loved all the stories and interactions with the older travellers. Made me laugh so much

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Highly recomended

30 year old Ben finds that a week’s out-of-season coach tour to Scarborough will house and feed him for half the cost of staying in his flat in London. He is, of course, way less than half the average age of his holiday companions but finds that they and their nightly bingo are better company and more fun than any 18-30 package. He follows up with trips to Wales (with his actual gran), Ireland, Scotland and Italy. It’s hilarious and beautifully observed. He meets some great characters, many of which will be familiar to many an adviser; and finds himself on his own journey (I know) of self discovery. Highly recommended. I’d give it a try myself, if I wasn’t so frighteningly close to the actual average age…

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2 people found this helpful

An enjoyable listen.

Ben Aitken really takes you along on his journeys. It’s a good book.

Thoroughly recommend.

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Another Gem from Ben Aitken

Loved it. Ben and his words, unique, beautifully written. Looking forward to your next one Ben.

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A pleasant tale well told

This was a quiet, relaxing listen. Some people will object to the author's accent, but I much prefer the real thing to an actor. The topic is a good one. The modern world is so fixated on mindless youth culture that it sickens me. As the saying goes, the young don't know what it's like to be old, but the old do know what it's like to be young. I was tempted to take a coach trip myself after listening to this...

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5 people found this helpful

Enjoyable

An enjoyable listen, with the either hilarious or frustrating (I'm yet to decide) accents performed by the author. Everyone is from Yorkshire it seems, even if they're a Brummie. A lovely gentle listen, eye opening and makes you think, and want to slow down. To be honest I'd be booking on a coach trip if I could right now, and didn't suffer horrendous travel sickness, so I could sit next to my own Janet and Monica on the excursions.

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3 people found this helpful

Thought Provoking. Different and Beautiful.

i love the intergenerational mix. i love that a youngster (Ben), has taken his time and has shared with me the life sorrows, joys, love and wisdom of the older generation that he meets on many Shearing Holidays. He also joins his Nan on one of them. This audio certainly made me laugh. Thank you Ben, keep up the good work.

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Heartwarming

What a beautiful book. Funny, poignant and heartwarming. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book.

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Loved it. Funny & poignant.

Good grief I enjoyed this! People are funny and interesting and Ben has a skill for articulating his observations of them. Coach trip holidays are another world!

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